Cavendish crashes during opening stage of Tour de France

Cavendish was taken to hospital following the crash. Credit: ITV Sport

The scene of the crash. Credit: ITV News

The Isle of Man's Mark Cavendish's bid for the yellow jersey ended in a heap as he tumbled to the tarmac in a dramatic conclusion to the opening stage of the 101st Tour de France.

Cavendish was bidding for a 26th Tour stage win of his career in his mother's home town of Harrogate and a first yellow jersey, but collided with Australian Simon Gerrans in the final 500 metres and was seen clutching his shoulder and midrift as he rolled over the line.

Cavendish was later taken away from the Omega Pharma-Quick Step team area in an ambulance and transported to hospital.